Let's start by saying that 99.9 percent of people who plead guilty to a drunk driving case, or are found guilty at trial will end up on probation in Michigan. It's the default, the most likely outcome, and probably what will happen in your case if you're reading this, but it's possible to avoid.

How do I know? I know because a few of my clients avoid probation each year, and it's because they went above and beyond on my proactive program. It takes the right judge, the right case, and a very motivated client, but it happens.

What does it mean to avoid probation? Well it saves you a lot of money in not having probation oversight fees and the cost of testing for drugs and alcohol. It means no one telling you when and where you can travel or not travel, and your life is back to normal.

If you've been arrested for a DUI and ultimately are convicted or plead guilty, it might not be the best time to begin drinking again, but each client will make their own decision, and frankly not being on probation allows you to drink (responsibly and not drive).

If avoiding probation is a goal for you or someone you care about, don't get your hopes up, but let's talk about the court, the judge, the case, and your motivation to go above and beyond. You might be one of the handful of my clients who avoid probation.